GB Bulldogs become Golden Boys of Europe
GB men’s wheelchair basketball team (The Bulldogs) won European Gold after beating Germany in the final 76 -65.
As in any final both teams came out hard in the first quarter, but GB’s forward combination of Terry Bywater and Simon Munn out powered the Germans and sme hot shooting from the Bulldogs put them in the lead 27-16. However it was Germany’s forward Passiwan, who took his chances and pulled it back to within 8 points at the half as GB‘s number of turnovers hurt them. 49-41
It was a scrappy third quarter for GB and Germany kept their hopes alive of taking the European Crown winning the quarter 13-11.
The team spirit showed in the fourth quarter and through some great team work and outstanding shooting from both Terry Bywater, who hit a triple double with 30points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, along with Simon Munn’s double double, 30 points and 15 rebounds, ensured GB men of the win and the Championship title with a 76-65 win.
It has been 16 years since GB men won the title in Paris, 1995 and is a step in the right direction for London 2012.
GB head Coach, Murray Treseder, “I thought it was a magnificent team performance we stuck to our game plan and our disciplines and it showed.
“Resting Simon in other games of the tournament certainly showed as I thought he had a staggering game for a 43 year old. All the guys contributed very well and I’m very very proud of each one of them and delighted to take home the top prize.”